Not Italy, but Zhejiang’s seriously underrated colorful fishing village

Oh my god! Everyone on my social feed asked if I went to Italy’s Cinque Terre.
I never expected this to be in Zhejiang!
Colorful houses built against the mountain, facing the sea.
Fishing boats sway in front of the colorful houses.
This little village, Xiaoruocun, hidden in Shitang, Wenling, saved me the airfare to Europe!

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📍 Where is this magical place?

Exact location: Xiaoruocun, Shitang Town, Wenling City, Taizhou, Zhejiang
Transportation tips:
Driving is the most convenient, 3.5 hours from Hangzhou
Take the high-speed train to Wenling Station, then transfer to a direct bus
Recommended to stay overnight; watching the sunrise and sunset is the essence

Best season:
May to October is the most beautiful season
Avoid typhoon days, choose sunny days to travel
The sea is bluest and photos are most beautiful

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🌈 Must-experience at the colorful fishing village

① Take photos with the colorful houses
The whole village is in macaron colors
Pink, blue, yellow, green...
Every corner is a surprise
Recommended to wear a white dress, looks great in every shot

② View the panorama from the lookout
Climb to the highest point of the village
Overlook the entire colorful fishing village and bay
At dusk, the sunset dyes the houses golden
So beautiful it takes your breath away

③ Stroll along the seaside boardwalk
The boardwalk runs along the coastline
On one side are colorful houses, on the other the endless sea
Feel the sea breeze, listen to the waves
This is what a vacation should be like

④ Experience fishermen’s life
Go out to sea with fishing boats in the morning
Watch fishermen cast nets and catch fish
Buy freshly landed seafood at the dock
Prices are so cheap it’s unbelievable

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🗓 Perfect two-day itinerary

Day 1: Immerse in the colorful world
⏰ Morning: Arrive at Xiaoruocun
Check into a sea view guesthouse, drop off luggage
Recommended to choose a guesthouse on higher ground for a great view

⏰ Afternoon: Stroll and take photos in the village
Start from the village entrance, walk along the main road uphill
Every alley hides surprises
Don’t forget to rest at the popular coffee shop

⏰ Evening: Watch the sunset at the lookout
Reserve a spot an hour early
Watch the sunset turn the sea golden

⏰ Night: Seafood street food
Must order: yellow croaker, swimming crab, mantis shrimp
80 RMB per person to eat until full

Day 2: Explore nearby
⏰ Early morning: Watch sunrise at Millennium Dawn Park
This is where the first ray of sunlight of the new century shines

⏰ Morning: Play in Dongxia Beach
Fine golden sand, clear sea water
Ticket 15 RMB, great value

⏰ Afternoon: Shop and eat at Jinsha Beach
Buy dried seafood as souvenirs
Try local specialty snacks

⏰ Evening: Return home with full memories

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💰 Expense details

Accommodation: Sea view guesthouse 200 RMB/night
Meals: Seafood feast 80 RMB/person
Tickets: Beach 15 RMB
Transportation: Driving fuel 200 RMB
Total: 500 RMB/person (two days one night)

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📸 Complete photo guide

Best spots
Lookout: must-go for panoramic shots
Colorful steps: sitting shots look great
Seaside railing: sea as background
Guesthouse rooftop: aerial shots of the whole village

Best times to shoot
7-9 AM: soft light
4-6 PM: best sunset
Avoid harsh midday light

Outfit suggestions
White dress is most photogenic
Straw hat and woven bag are perfect matches
Comfortable flat shoes are important

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🍜 Food recommendations

Must-eat seafood
Yellow croaker: best steamed fresh
Swimming crab: scallion oil style is amazing
Mantis shrimp: salt and pepper flavor is excellent
Clams: perfect with drinks

Special snacks
Fish noodles: noodles made from fish meat
Mountain tapioca balls: chewy and delicious
Mung bean noodles: refreshing and cleansing

Recommended restaurants
Old street stalls: loved by locals
Haishawan: good environment and authentic taste
Small shops by the dock: freshest seafood

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🏡 Accommodation guide

Budget
Village guesthouses: 150-200 RMB
Clean and comfortable, friendly owners

Comfort
Sea view guesthouses: 200-300 RMB
Open the window and see the sea

Premium
Designer guesthouses: 300-500 RMB
Well-equipped, great for photos

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🚗 Transportation tips

Driving is most convenient
Parking fee 20 RMB/day
Village roads are narrow, better to park outside

High-speed train is also convenient
Wenling Station to village takes 1 hour
Shuttle bus 15 RMB/person

Village is all on foot
Comfortable shoes are essential

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💡 Pitfall avoidance tips

Avoid weekends and holidays
Otherwise, you’ll queue for photos

Don’t go on rainy days
Colorful houses look dull and gray

Don’t buy seafood at the scenic entrance
It’s cheaper further inside

Be sure to apply sunscreen
UV rays are strong by the sea

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🌊 Travel reflections

Met an old photographer from Shanghai at the lookout
He said: "I’ve been to so many places,
never thought the most beautiful colorful fishing village is in Zhejiang."

Chatted with the owner on the guesthouse rooftop
Learned these colorful houses
were painted by fishermen themselves
to make the village more beautiful

Sitting by the sea at dusk
Watching the colorful houses light up
Suddenly understood:
The most beautiful scenery isn’t far away,
it’s right beside us

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